Methods and devices for controlling air inside a closed container

ABSTRACT

A system having a sealed container capable of storing an oxygen-degradable product and an air control device attached to the container, where the air control device includes an activation device; at least one air control valve to allow air to flow out of the container, at least one pressure relief valve, an at least one air flow device comprising a vacuum pump, at least one filtration device and at least one controller and where the air control device is designed to securely attach to the container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/493,657, entitled “METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING AIR INSIDEA CLOSED CONTAINER” filed on Jun. 6, 2011, which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to devices for controlling air incontainers.

BACKGROUND

Containers that store various types of materials may include devices forcontrolling the air volume in those containers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, the system includes a container with two sets ofopposing solid side walls, a bottom, and a cover, wherein the containeris capable of storing an oxygen-degradable product and a mating surfaceat an upper end of the container mates with a mating surface on an innerportion of the cover to form an airtight seal; and an air control deviceattached to the container, wherein the air control device has anactivation device; at least one air control valve sufficiently designedto allow air to flow out of an inner volume of the container formed bythe two sets of opposing walls, the bottom, and the cover of thecontainer; at least one pressure relief valve in fluid communicationwith the inner volume of the container, wherein the at least onepressure relief valve is sufficiently designed to allow air to flow intothe inner volume of the container; an at least one air flow devicecomprising a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the inner volume ofthe container, the at least one air control valve, and the at least onepressure relief valve, at least one filtration device in fluidcommunication with the at least one air flow device and the inner volumeof the container; and at least one controller sufficiently designed tostart the air flow device in response to activation of the activationdevice and stop the air flow device based on a vacuum and/or pressurelevel in the container; and wherein the air control device issufficiently designed to securely attach to the container.

In another embodiment, the system includes an air control device that isattached to a side wall of the container.

In yet another embodiment, the system includes an air control devicethat is attached to the container cover. In other embodiments, the atleast one controller includes a circuit board with a timer. In otherembodiments, the activation device comprises a push button.

In another embodiment, the system further includes an indicator light.

In yet another embodiment, the system includes a container with anoxygen-degradable product that may include foodstuffs and/or chemicals.In other embodiments, the foodstuffs includes grain, milk powder, and/oranimal food.

In other embodiments, the system includes a mating surface at the upperend of the container and an mating surface on the inner portion of thecover that are threaded.

In yet another embodiment, the container includes a seal sufficientlydesigned to form an airtight seal. In some embodiments, the sealincludes a gasket or an o-ring. In some embodiments, the seal is formedof thermoplastic, rubber, metal, graphite, or combinations thereof.

In yet other embodiments, the system is sufficiently designed tomaintain stability of the oxygen-degradable product for about one weekto about 5 years.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate containers of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a vacuum pump and a fan of some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an air control valve of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate an air control valve of someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention.

The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarilyto scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the likeshown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an system for controlling air in a containerincludes, but is not limited to, an air control device designed to besecurely connected to a container for controlling the air to thecontainer. In some embodiments, the container may be a container capableof storing an oxygen-degradable products such as chemicals or foodstuffshaving a cover. In some embodiments, the containers can be a cylindricalcontainer 102, rectangular cube-shaped container 104 as shown in FIGS.1A and 1B. In other embodiments, the container can be a squarecube-shaped container. In some embodiments, the container may include atwo sets of opposing side walls, a bottom, and a cover. In someembodiments, the side walls are solid. In other embodiments, the upperend of the container includes a mating surface that mates with a matingsurface on an inner portion of the cover to form an airtight seal. An“airtight seal” is defined as a seal that reduces air flow across theseal. The airtight seal, however, may allow some air leakage over time.In some embodiments, the container and cover are sealed using matingthreads. In some embodiments, the container and cover are sealed usingmating adhesive surfaces. In other embodiments, a seal is positionedbetween the cover and the container. In some embodiments, the seal maybe a gasket or an o-ring. In some embodiments, the seal may be formed ofthermoplastic, rubber, metal, graphite, combinations thereof or othersuitable material for forming an airtight seal in the container.

In some embodiments, the air control device may be connected to a sidewall of the container. In other embodiments, the air control device maybe connected to the cover of the container. In one embodiment, the aircontrol device 202 shown in FIG. 2 can include, but not limited to, atleast one air control valve that permits control of air inside thecontainer 204, and at least one activation device such as a push buttonto activate the air flow device. In one embodiment, the air controldevice can include, but not limited to, at least one air control valvethat permits control of air inside the container, at least oneactivation device such as a push button to activate the air flow device,and at least one controller such as a circuit board with air flow devicetimer. In one embodiment, the at least one air control device includesan air flow device such as a pump 302 or fan 304 as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. In one embodiment, the air control device can include, but notlimited to, at least one controller that permits control of the airinside the container, at least one activation device such as a pushbutton to activate the air flow device, an air flow device such as avacuum pump and/or fan, at least one controller such as a circuit boardwith air flow device timer, and at least one indicator showing aircondition within the container.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the air control device caninclude an air control valve designed to allow air to flow out of theclosed container. In one embodiment, the air control device includes anair control valve 402 as shown on FIG. 4. In one embodiment of theinstant invention, the air control device can have (1) a first aircontrol valve to remove stale air out of the closed container and (2) asecond air control valve such as a pressure relief valve to allow air toflow into the closed container. In an embodiment, the air control deviceincludes an air control valve 500 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. In oneembodiment, the air control valve 500 includes a hinge pin retainer 502,a spring 504, a hinge pin 506, a plate-lug bearing 508, a full flange510, a body-lug bearing 512, a stop pin retainer 514, a lug flange 516,a plate 518, and/or a stop pin 520. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5C,the air control valve is in the closed position. In another embodimentshown in FIG. 5D, the air control valve is in the partially openposition. In one embodiment, the air control valve can be responsiblefor both (1) pulling stale air out of the container and (2) letting newair to enter the container

In one embodiment of the invention, by taking the stale air out of thecontainer, a cover or a lid of the container is securely sealed to thecontainer. In one embodiment of the instant invention, by letting thenew air into the container, a cover or a lid of the container can beeasily removed to open the container.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the air control device canbe connected to the cover or a lid of the container. In one embodimentof the instant invention, the air control device can be integrated intoa cover or a lid of the container. In one embodiment, the air controldevice can be integral with wall(s) and/or a lid/cover of a containerand thus can be incorporated during the manufacture of the containerand/or container's lid/cover. In one embodiment of the instantinvention, the air control device can be mounted on or attached towall(s) and/or a lid/cover of a container after the manufacture of thecontainer and/or container's lid/cover.

In one embodiment, the instant invention allows to keep contents of thecontainer, such as food, chemicals, etc., from being spoiled—e.g.,keeping food fresh longer. In one embodiment, the instant inventionallows the container to maintain substantially moisture-proofenvironment. In one embodiment, the instant invention allows to protectthe contents of the container from extraneous solids and from loss ofthe content under the ordinary or customary conditions of handling,shipment, storage, and distribution. In one embodiment, the instantinvention allows to protect the contents of the container fromcontamination by extraneous liquids, solids, and/or vapors. In oneembodiment, the instant invention makes the container to besubstantially impervious to air or any other gas under the ordinary orcustomary conditions of handling, shipment, storage, and distribution.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the operation of the aircontrol device can provide a control mechanism for removing or addingair into the container. In one embodiment of the instant invention, thecontent of air inside the container is measure through air pressureinside the container using any suitable pressure measuring instrument,for example, a manometer.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the air control device canbe started by either manually by pressing an activation device such as apush button or automatically (e.g., by a daily timer).

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the operation of the aircontrol device allows to create a negative pressure (e.g., vacuum-like)conditions inside the container.

In an embodiment shown on FIG. 6, a vacuum pump 602 can be used toremove air from the inside of a container 604 and then shut down whensufficient air is evacuated from the container 604. In an embodiment,the vacuum pump 602 can be powered from a 24 VDC source. In anembodiment, the device may include a backflow preventer 606, a reliefvalve 608, a filtration device 610, an electrical board 612, anindicator light 614, an activation device 616, and/or a transformer 618.In an embodiment, the relief valve can be actuated by a activationdevice such as a push button. In some embodiments, the filtration devicecan be either permanent or replaceable. In some embodiments, thefiltration device can include a cartridge filter, filter paper or otherfiltration device sufficient for removing particulates from the airstream to protect the air flow device. In some embodiments, theelectrical board can be a PCB electrical board. In some embodiments, theactivation device can be a push button or equivalent. In an embodiment,the transformer also may include a rectifier and can convert the energysource from 115 VAC to 24 VDC. In an embodiment, the transformer andrectifier can convert the energy source voltage from 220 VAC to 24 VDC.

In an embodiment, the container can be sealed by closing the containerlid, connecting the air control device to a power source and actuatingthe activation device. In an embodiment, the power source may be 115VAC. In another embodiment, the power source may be 220 VAC. In anembodiment, the activation device can include a push button. In anembodiment, the activation device can be identified as a “start” pushbutton.

In an embodiment, the container can be unsealed by actuating a reliefvalve. In an embodiment, the container can be unsealed by pressing apush button that actuates the relief valve. In an embodiment, the reliefvalve can be identified as a “pressure relief valve.”

In one embodiment, after feeding your pet, a user can press a pushbutton which starts a vacuum pump. In one embodiment, the vacuum pumpvacuums the air out on the food and container, stopping when the vacuumis complete. In one embodiment, an indicator light alerts the user whenthe process is complete. In one embodiment, the indicator light isgreen. In one embodiment, the vacuum pump is enclosed by a housing orcover. In one embodiment, the housing or cover is formed of plastic,glass, metal, or other material. In another embodiment, a pressure valveis released when access is required to allow the user to open thecontainer cover. In one embodiment, the access is required when a userdesires to feed his or her pet.

In one embodiment, a user presses a push button on the container toactuate the vacuum pump. In one embodiment, an indicator light turns onwhen the push button is pressed. In one embodiment, the indicator lightis an LED light. In one embodiment, the indicator light is identified asa “pumping” indicator light.

In an embodiment, when the required vacuum was achieved, the vacuum pumpwould stop. In an embodiment, an indicator light would actuate when thevacuum pump stops. In some embodiments, the indicator light is a greenLED. In an embodiment, the indicator light is identified as a “vacuumreached” indicator light.

In some embodiments, the vacuum pump turns on if a leak occurred andactuates the green LED light indicating proper operation. In someembodiments, if the user opened the container, a microcontroller orequivalent device can be used to detect the vacuum was lost too quicklyto be a leak. In some embodiments, the microcontroller would keep thevacuum pump turned off if the vacuum was lost too quickly. In someembodiments, an indicator light would indicate when the vacuum was losttoo quickly. In some embodiments, the indicator light is a yellow LED.In an embodiment, the indicator light is identified as an “open”indicator light.

In an embodiment, if the vacuum pump operated for too long a periodwithout achieving vacuum, a microcontroller is used to terminateoperation of the pump. In some embodiments, an indicator light wouldactuate when the vacuum pump is turned off by the microcontroller. Insome embodiments, the indicator light is an LED. In some embodiments,the indicator light is identified as an “error” or “open” indicatorlight. In some embodiments, if the user didn't get the lid on quiteright, the vacuum pump would not continue to run.

In some embodiments, the system parameters such as vacuum level, vacuumpump operation timing, and other parameters can be adjusted byreprogramming the control software and/or changing the firmware.

In some embodiments, vacuum pumping would continue until a hardwiredvacuum level was achieved and the vacuum pump was turned off.

In one embodiment, the instant invention allows the substantialelimination of the presence of oxygen in oxygen-degradable products suchas chemicals and foodstuffs such as grain, milk powder, animal food, orother product degradable when exposed to oxygen, ensuring long-termshelf stability. In one embodiment, the instant invention allows for along-term shelf stability of the product in at least a week. In oneembodiment, the instant invention allows for a long-term shelf stabilityof the product in at least two week. In one embodiment, the instantinvention allows for a long-term shelf stability of the product in atleast a month than if content is stored in the dark as well as dry andcool. In one embodiment, the instant invention allows for a long-termshelf stability of the product in at least 3 months longer than ifcontent is stored in the dark as well as dry and cool. In oneembodiment, the instant invention allows for a long-term shelf stabilityof the product in at least 6 months longer than if is content stored inthe dark as well as dry and cool. In one embodiment, the instantinvention allows for a long-term shelf stability of the product in atleast 12 months longer than if is content stored in the dark as well asdry and cool. In one embodiment, the instant invention allows for along-term shelf stability of the product in at least 24 months longerthan if is content stored in the dark as well as dry and cool. In oneembodiment, the instant invention allows for a long-term shelf stabilityof the product in at least 3 years longer than if is content stored inthe dark as well as dry and cool. In one embodiment, the instantinvention allows for a long-term shelf stability of the product in atleast 5 years longer than if content is stored in the dark as well asdry and cool.

In some embodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents,such as food, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physicalqualities) over a certain time period having deterioration in originalqualities (e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials,etc.) or collecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 1%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 2%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 5%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 10%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 20%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 30%. In someembodiments, the shelf life stability is an ability of contents, such asfood, to maintain its qualities (e.g., nutritional, physical qualities)over a certain time period having deterioration in original qualities(e.g., at the time of making (e.g., foods, chemical materials, etc.) orcollecting (e.g., fruits, vegetables)) of less than 50%.

In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the container ranges fromabout 15 pounds to about 100 pounds. In some embodiments, the storagecapacity of the container ranges from about 25 pounds to about 80pounds. In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the containerranges from about 35 pounds to about 65 pounds. In some embodiments, thestorage capacity of the container ranges from about 45 to about 55pounds. In one embodiment, the container includes a 12″ width, a 12″length, and a 10″ depth.

Example 1 Calculating Amount of Oxygen (Air) to be Removed

Below are listed the volumes (in cubic centimeters) of variouscontainers. The air inside each container contains 21.0% oxygen.

-   -   Container (approx. vol. cubic centimeters) Oxygen Volume (cubic        centimeters)

Number 10 cans  3,980 cc × 0.21 = 835.80 5 gallon plastic pails (19,000)19,000 cc × 0.21 = 3,990 6 gallon plastic pails (22,800) 22,800 cc ×0.21 = 4,788

There are two components of the container to consider: the headspace andthe voidspace. If a five-gallon bucket were filled to the rim withmarbles, the spaces in between the marbles (void spaces) would represent38% of the volume of the five-gallon pail (0.38×19,000=7,220 cubiccentimeters). Of this number, 21% is oxygen. So, if the marbles werefood, a 5 gallon pail would have almost 1500 cubic centimeters of oxygenthat must be removed in order to insure viable long term food storage.

The next item to consider is the headspace. If you fill a number ten canto 90% of its volume, you will have 398 cubic centimeters of headspace.This headspace will contain 83.6 cubic centimeters of oxygen(0.21×398=83.6). In order to determine how much oxygen absorbingcapacity required, the oxygen level in the headspace and the void spaceis first determined.

There are 231 cubic inches in a gallon and 16.4 cubic centimeters in acubic inch.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention which are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

1. A system comprising: a container comprising two sets of opposingsolid side walls, a bottom, and a cover, wherein the container iscapable of storing an oxygen-degradable product and a mating surface atan upper end of the container mates with a mating surface on an innerportion of the cover to form an airtight seal; and an air control deviceattached to the container, wherein the air control device comprises: anactivation device; at least one air control valve sufficiently designedto allow air to flow out of an inner volume of the container formed bythe two sets of opposing walls, the bottom, and the cover of thecontainer; at least one pressure relief valve in fluid communicationwith the inner volume of the container, wherein the at least onepressure relief valve is sufficiently designed to allow air to flow intothe inner volume of the container; an at least one air flow devicecomprising a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the inner volume ofthe container, the at least one air control valve, and the at least onepressure relief valve, at least one filtration device in fluidcommunication with the at least one air flow device and the inner volumeof the container; and at least one controller sufficiently designed tostart the air flow device in response to activation of the activationdevice and stop the air flow device based on a vacuum and/or pressurelevel in the container; and wherein the air control device issufficiently designed to securely attach to the container.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the air control device is attached to a side wall ofthe container.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the air control deviceis attached to the container cover.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one controller comprises a circuit board with a timer. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the activation device comprises a pushbutton.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an indicator light.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the container includes anoxygen-degradable product.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein theoxygen-degradable product comprises foodstuffs and/or chemicals.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the foodstuffs comprises grain, milk powder,and/or animal food.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the matingsurface at the upper end of the container and the mating surface on theinner portion of the cover are threaded.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the container further comprises a seal sufficiently designed toform an airtight seal.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealcomprises a gasket or an o-ring.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein theseal is formed of thermoplastic, rubber, metal, graphite, orcombinations thereof.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the system issufficiently designed to maintain stability of the oxygen-degradableproduct for about one week to about 5 years.